Hijacking of cargo flight from Medellín to Barranquilla

No fatalities • Florencia, Colombia • Landing (descent or approach)

A cargo aircraft flying from Medellín was hijacked by armed individuals, leading to a forced landing on the Orteguaza River.

What happened

A cargo operation traveling from Medellín-Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport toward Barranquilla-Soledad was intercepted by four hijackers. The flight, which originally carried three crew members and six passengers, was diverted under duress to a remote location in the Guajira Peninsula.

During the hijacking, an additional load of approximately four to five tons of weaponry was added to the aircraft. Following this loading, the plane proceeded toward the Florencia region. The hijackers eventually forced the crew to perform a landing on the Orteguaza River, situated roughly 7 km east of Florencia. Upon reaching the shallow waters, the weapons were removed from the plane and the aircraft was left behind. The crew members remained in custody until they were released on November 10, 1981.

Findings

The incident resulted in no fatalities among the original passengers or crew, though the flight ended in a forced landing in water due to the hijacking event.

Probable cause

The aircraft was forced to land in a river following a hijacking by armed individuals.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1981-10-21 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident near Florencia, Colombia?

A cargo aircraft flying from Medellín was hijacked by armed individuals, leading to a forced landing on the Orteguaza River.

Were there any fatalities in the 1981-10-21 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1981-10-21 involved a Curtiss C-46 Commando, registration HK-388, operated by Aeropesca Colombia, at Florencia, Colombia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft was forced to land in a river following a hijacking by armed individuals.

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